How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Texas (2026)
Texas employs about 209,680 cdl truck drivers earning a median $56,290 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most cdl truck drivers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Texas.
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Compare CDL Truck Driver Schools in Texas
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M T Training Center | 78.9 | Contact school for pricing | $37,432 | 80% | Yes* | 113 mi |
| 2 | Trinity Valley Community College | 55.8 | Contact school for pricing | $44,266 | 26% | Yes* | 135 mi |
| 3 | Lee College | 53.0 | Contact school for pricing | $57,434 | Not reported | — | 201 mi |
| 4 | Miller-Motte College-STVT-Arlington | 46.8 | Contact school for pricing | $34,393 | 76% | — | 110 mi |
| 5 | Miller-Motte College-STVT-Corpus Christi | 44.1 | Contact school for pricing | $34,393 | 71% | — | 243 mi |
| 6 | Miller-Motte College-STVT-San Antonio | 40.5 | Contact school for pricing | $34,393 | 70% | — | 136 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Texas employs approximately 209,680 cdl truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $56,290 1. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 237,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cdl truck driver in Texas, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
CDL Truck Driver Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers wages in Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 55,670 | $59,530 | $62,720 | $42,810 | $91,990 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 49,750 | $56,840 | $58,160 | $38,320 | $79,490 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 13,710 | $53,650 | $56,430 | $38,560 | $76,840 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 10,760 | $57,110 | $58,460 | $42,300 | $78,210 |
| El Paso | 7,850 | $49,270 | $54,600 | $36,310 | $74,800 |
| Laredo | 5,460 | $49,010 | $53,470 | $32,080 | $74,640 |
| Midland | 4,540 | $58,200 | $60,170 | $46,310 | $78,190 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 4,390 | $47,040 | $50,130 | $31,250 | $71,050 |
| Odessa | 3,190 | $58,370 | $59,190 | $40,480 | $77,930 |
| Corpus Christi | 2,570 | $49,000 | $52,670 | $34,990 | $73,900 |
| Longview | 2,290 | $51,990 | $55,940 | $37,310 | $78,940 |
| Amarillo | 2,230 | $54,290 | $57,650 | $38,690 | $81,690 |
| Lubbock | 2,200 | $49,080 | $54,630 | $37,090 | $80,360 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | 2,100 | $54,900 | $56,560 | $37,130 | $76,580 |
| Killeen-Temple | 1,940 | $57,040 | $60,890 | $37,670 | $99,200 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | 1,660 | $48,550 | $51,980 | $30,740 | $72,400 |
| Waco | 1,640 | $48,780 | $54,310 | $38,220 | $74,800 |
| Tyler | 1,490 | $51,290 | $53,980 | $38,680 | $71,630 |
| College Station-Bryan | 1,230 | $49,540 | $52,130 | $36,610 | $71,690 |
| Texarkana | 1,190 | $49,050 | $52,850 | $34,560 | $76,330 |
| Abilene | 1,090 | $54,720 | $56,610 | $38,180 | $77,630 |
| Sherman-Denison | 670 | $55,270 | $56,710 | $38,360 | $75,440 |
| San Angelo | 660 | $48,230 | $52,490 | $36,780 | $75,670 |
| Wichita Falls | 620 | $50,600 | $53,630 | $36,780 | $72,070 |
| Victoria | 570 | $51,150 | $54,330 | $36,220 | $72,640 |
| Eagle Pass | 250 | $58,600 | $57,000 | $34,090 | $75,700 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Median wage (Texas): $56,290 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
Quick Answers About Becoming A CDL Truck Driver in Texas
How do I become a cdl truck driver in Texas? Texas requires credentials such as TOW TRUCK OPERATOR. The licensing authority is the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Texas? Yes. Texas has licensing or registration requirements for cdl truck drivers. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cdl truck drivers earn in Texas? The median annual wage for cdl truck drivers in Texas is $56,290 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $38,150 and experienced professionals can earn $79,400 or more 1.
Top Metros for Cdl truck drivers in Texas
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cdl truck driver employment within Texas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 55,670 | $59,530 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 49,750 | $56,840 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 13,710 | $53,650 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 10,760 | $57,110 |
| El Paso | 7,850 | $49,270 |
Explore cdl truck driver programs in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Texas
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Texas training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Texas that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to cdl truck drivers in Texas before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
CDL Truck Driver License Requirements in Texas
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees cdl truck driver licensing in Texas 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| TOW TRUCK OPERATOR | Tow truck operators assist motorists, first responders and others by performing tows of vehicles from public roadways and private property for a fee, in conjunction with a licensed tow truck company. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cdl truck drivers in Texas? Texas currently employs approximately 209,680 cdl truck drivers 1. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cdl truck driver in Texas with an out-of-state license? Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Texas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Texas.
How much do cdl truck drivers earn in Texas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cdl truck drivers in Texas is $56,290, which is $1,150 below the national median of $57,440 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Licensing Information: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |